Courses for Forces - Soldiers turn to studying online

Online education specialist, Kaplan Open Learning, has seen an influx of ex-service men and women completing a degree course to further a new career.

Leaving the Services through retirement or injury can often leave an individual with feelings of uncertainty or lack of motivation for their future outside of the world they have been used to. An increasing number of students who study through Kaplan Open Learning have been in that exact situation and decided to study a subject of interest to them, helping create personal goals and in some cases even a whole new career to work hard for.

The experience of living through the strict regime of Army life helped one student choose to study a degree in Criminal Justice. Stuart Harris found himself nearing retirement this year and discovered an online course from Kaplan Open Learning would be a great fit for his skills. Stuart’s ultimate aim was to put something back into society by becoming a Social Worker, so by gaining a degree in Criminal Justice he is now able to apply for an MSc in Social Work.

Stuart comments: “Alongside my study I wanted to inspire some of the junior soldiers within my unit so I started by encouraging them to look at education as a lifelong path to enhancement, by attending short education courses. I have been fortunate with the support of my employer who was very receptive to the Work Based Learning Project. This has subsequently been incorporated into the training syllabus for new Civil Servant Geographic Specialists. I involved others around me to spread the word about learning and developing yourself through education.

“Studying for my degree has opened up my eyes to a whole new world that now inspires me to learn, and be all that I can be. I have found that after many years away from formal education, it is never too late to develop yourself both mentally and spiritually, setting goals and reflecting upon who you are.”

Stuart graduated in Colchester on the 22nd July this year and is one of hundreds of inspiring men and women to make the decision to study and carve a whole new career. Popular courses are Criminal Justice and Business and Management, both opening up a wide variety of new careers for students.

Louise Howells, Kaplan Open Learning, explains how new students can often have reservations about starting a course: “We see a lot of ex-service men and women come to us not knowing what to expect and doubting whether they can get back into the swing of studying after so long in a different environment. Very quickly their doubts have disappeared as they realised how different it is learning online.

"Students report thoroughly enjoying researching and writing about their chosen subject and many go on to complete further qualifications with us in the future.”

Business and Management, and Criminal Justice courses begin from the 23rd August 2011. Contact Kaplan Open Learning on: 08000 527 526 for further information.

Kaplan Open Learning launched in late 2007 to lead the development of online higher education in the UK. Kaplan is an affiliate college of the University of Essex and work in partnership with the Institute of Leadership and Management. Kaplan offer foundation and honours degrees and professional qualifications all delivered comprehensively online through both tutor-led live sessions and self-paced learning. They are designed to be flexible, allowing you to continue working whilst you study.

All courses are designed to be relevant to employers and help progress career development in a range of areas, equipping you with the skills and expertise to bring about real improvement within your organisation and ultimately help you move to the next stage in your career. Kaplan degrees are validated by The University of Essex which means students graduate with a qualification from a leading UK University.

Kaplan Open Learning is all about helping students excel, to achieve their dreams and advance professionally. Here to guide students through the entire learning process and provide a support network that makes it possible for them to get a great education while managing their day-to-day lives.